Trail Running calendar near Normal 2026-2027

A Second Wind Running Club event on May 9, 2026, the Buffalo Trace Trail Race follows an approximately 5-mile course through woods and prairie at Lake of the Woods; registration is available online and proceeds benefit the Forest Preserve F..

An 8K trail race entirely within Lincoln Memorial Garden near Lake Springfield with wood-chipped and gravel trails and plank bridges. A Kids Fun Run offers three pond-loop distances; the 8K is limited to 300 participants and includes a shir..

Experience the local trail community at Kinsey Park with a four mile loop featuring rolling hills and themed stretches. This event offers a great introduction to the local ultramarathon scene in Peoria.

A backyard ultra at Kinsey Park in Peoria where runners complete a 4.16 mile single track loop each hour until one runner remains. The trail is fully single track with small rolling hills and a Wizard of Oz theme.

A chip timed 5K at Mackinaw Valley Vineyard and Winery on June 14, 2026 with a two lap course over grass and uneven terrain. Registration includes a shirt, collapsible wine glass, finisher medal and a pour of wine; age group awards and a ch..

Five Thursday nights in July at Maxwell Park in Normal, IL featuring 800 meter, 2 mile and 3 mile cross country races. Weekly entry is $5 or $20 for all five nights; awards night with age-group prizes is on 7/30.

A Fourth of July trail event at Centennial Park in Springfield marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. Offers a 1 mile, 5K, and 10K plus volunteer options and chip timing.

Experience flowing singletrack and deep ravines at Black Partridge Park in Metamora. This five mile trail race features creek crossings and steep climbs through mature Illinois forests.

CMAR Trail Races at Camp Wokanda near Chillicothe, Illinois offers multiple looped and out and back trail distances on wooded singletrack with substantial elevation, staffed aid stations, and time cutoffs for each distance.

Experience a trail run through Forest Park on the General Dacey Trail in Shelbyville. Participate in a 5K or 1 mile race featuring team competitions, post race refreshments, and a gathering at the local aquatic center.

Experience the final race of the summer at Farmdale Reservoir in Washington Illinois. This five mile trail run features a mix of prairie woods and singletrack paths through a diverse landscape.

A loop ultrarunning event at Kennekuk Cove County Park with 3.25 mile laps, aid stations, camping, shirts and swag bags, and four hour and eight hour runner and walker options. Field limited to 250 participants.

A youth and family 2K obstacle course at Maxwell Park with about 15 obstacles. Waves serve ages 5 and up; participants get a shirt, medal and a timed result, with trophies for top three in each competitive age group.

Hill of a Race 2026 in Bloomington, IL combines a lap based Endurance Challenge with multiple 3 mile obstacle course waves, including competitive men, women, masters and several recreational waves.

A day of looped trail events at Comlara near Hudson, IL, with timed options from one hour to twelve hours, a relay race, and an open course option. Runners complete roughly four mile loops and must return each hour to continue.

Experience an all terrain trail race through the scenic Big Horse Vineyards featuring natural obstacles and mud. Choose between a competitive 5K or a social beer mile followed by wine tasting in Central Illinois.

Test your limits at Decker Farm with a grueling combination of military boot camp and farm chores. Choose between 4, 12, or 36 hour endurance challenges featuring heavy carries and undisclosed physical tasks.

A multi-distance trail event at Sand Ridge State Forest offering 200K, 150K, 100K, 50K and a 10K option, included camping, on-course upgrades, and awards ranging from challenge coins to collectible buckles and framed maps.

Experience the 46th annual trail run through Kickapoo State Recreation Area featuring a scenic pond loop and a longer 95 percent trail course with creek crossings and steep hills.

Experience fast rolling terrain at the Sand Creek Trail Run in Decatur. Choose between 4.4 and 7.6 mile distances to support the Special Operations Warrior Foundation through the scenic Macon County Conservation District.